Olive oil - composition, benefits and harms to human health

Olive oil is an indispensable product in the diet of adherents of a healthy diet. In addition, the oil has been used by women for cosmetic purposes for a long time to make the skin fresh, soft and elastic. With the help of the product, you can lose weight and fill the body with energy after a hard physical training, which is especially valuable for athletes. Olive oil is deservedly considered a versatile and healthy product due to its composition, saturated with fatty acids, trace elements and vitamins.

However, in order to achieve the desired result, you need to know which oil you are buying - refined or unrefined, what both are used for, how to store the product correctly, and to whom olive oil is categorically contraindicated. Read about all this in our article.

Calorie content of olive oil and chemical composition

The calorie content of olive oil per 100 g is 897.8 kcal, and the chemical composition is rich in fatty acids and has an extensive list of beneficial effects on the human body.

The chemical composition of unrefined oil per 100 g in the form of a table:

In the process of processing, olive oil wastes a large number of useful elements, therefore it is best to use unrefined oil for cosmetic or medicinal purposes.

Nutritional value of olive oil per 100 g:

• carbohydrates - 0 g;
• fats - 98.9 g;
• proteins - 0 g;
• dietary fiber - 0 g;
• water - 1.1 g

The ratio of BZHU is 0/1/0, respectively. The calorie content of 1 tablespoon of oil is 152.6 kcal, in 1 teaspoon - 44.8 kcal.

Benefit for health

The health benefits of olive oil are many and varied. The product not only improves overall well-being, but also has a beneficial effect practically on the internal organs, normalizing their work and acting as a prophylactic agent against various diseases.

1. Olive oil lowers the level of bad cholesterol in the blood and increases the amount of good. In addition, the product strengthens the heart muscle. Scientific research shows that people who regularly consume foods rich in fatty acids have a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
2. The product has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Inflammatory reactions often occur due to constant stress, irregular or improper diet, and then spill over into more serious diseases. The oil helps neutralize the effects of inflammation, as well as reduce the frequency of their occurrence.
3. The oil has a positive effect on the strength of the walls of blood vessels, and also normalizes blood pressure.
4. Due to its antioxidant properties, olive oil is used as a preventive measure against cancer.
5. Olive oil helps you lose weight and is considered an excellent prophylactic against obesity, if consumed in moderation, of course.
6. Increases the performance of the brain. The systematic use of oil, regardless of whether it is pure or as a dressing for dishes, improves memory, concentration and alertness.

In addition, the oil acts as a preventive measure against Alzheimer's disease - it slows down the decline in cognitive function.

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Medicinal properties of olive oil

The medicinal properties of olive oil have long been used in folk medicine:

1. Regular use of the product prevents depression and nervous disorders. The oil normalizes hormonal balance, due to the surges of which the mood is often spoiled for no reason. In addition, by consuming the oil systematically, you can improve sleep and achieve positive thinking.
2. It is believed that olive oil reduces the risk of diabetes. The fats that are included in the product normalize sugar and insulin levels. If you like foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates, you can use a little oil to slow down the process of glucose entering your bloodstream.
3. Olive oil normalizes digestion, prevents constipation and bloating, and helps in the treatment of bowel diseases.
4. The use of the product helps to restore strength after surgery or a serious illness.
5. Oil removes poisons, toxins and excess salts from the body. Moreover, the product will help cleanse the airways and reduce the negative effects of nicotine on the lungs.
6. Regular consumption of the oil reduces the appearance of varicose veins and prevents its development due to its ability to thin the blood. The product prevents blood clots and makes vascular walls more elastic. In addition, the oil is used externally for rubbing into the skin in places where varicose veins appear.
7. The product is used to treat gum disease. To do this, heat the oil (slightly warmer than room temperature) and lubricate the gums with a soft toothbrush. In the case when the operation is painful, you can simply rinse your mouth with warm oil for 10-12 minutes.

Oil belongs to a small list of products, which are almost 100% assimilated by the body due to its diverse chemical composition, the components of which contribute to the rapid assimilation of each other. For example, the antioxidants in it help the body absorb vitamin K.

For women's health

Olive oil has a positive effect on women's health:

1. Regular addition of the product to the diet normalizes the hormonal balance, which jumps during the onset of menopause or before PMS.
2. The oil is used in the treatment of infertility. For these purposes, special diets often include a product high in fatty acids and nutrients, and olive oil is the record holder in this area.
3. The work of the thyroid gland and the production of estrogen are normalized.
4. It is recommended to use the oil during pregnancy, as it will have a positive effect not only on the well-being of the mother, but also on the baby. In addition, the product helps to fight chronic fatigue.

While breastfeeding, consuming oil will reduce the baby's colic.

Olive oil for men

Olive oil has a beneficial effect on men's health:

1. Regular use of the product will improve potency by increasing blood circulation.
2. The product improves reproductive function.
3. The oil energizes before grueling sports workouts.

The oil is especially useful for athletes of strength sports who need to gain muscle mass or show the best results in competitions.

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Application in cosmetology

In cosmetology, olive oil is used to improve skin condition, strengthen hair and eyelashes:

1. To increase the density of the eyelashes, simply lubricate the eyelashes with olive oil every day before bed. After a month of use, the first results should be visible. In addition, the oil is used as a makeup remover.
2. To get shiny and thick hair, as well as make it soft and stimulate further growth, you need to make masks based on nourishing cream and olive oil, rubbing them into the roots and evenly distributing them along the length of the hair.
3. The oil moisturizes the skin and protects against harmful environmental influences, for example, from ultraviolet radiation and toxins, as well as prevents flaking and roughness. And just regular use of unrefined olive oil helps, but if you make hand or face creams with the addition of oil, the effect will be greatly enhanced.
4. The oil is used in body wrapping and anti-cellulite massage procedures. The same steps will help make stretch marks less visible.
5. At home, you can get rid of acne or redness, but only if your skin is not oily, otherwise the pores will simply clog and irritation will increase.

In addition to the above, the product accelerates wound healing, relieves painful sensations and redness from minor burns. For cosmetic effects, use unrefined cold (first) pressed oil.

How to use for weight loss?

To lose weight, it is recommended to drink 1 tsp on an empty stomach. unrefined olive oil. Over time, the dose is increased to 1 tablespoon. After taking the oil, it is strictly forbidden to eat or drink anything for 40, and preferably 60 minutes. Otherwise, it will be impossible to achieve the desired result. Optionally, when your body gets used to the morning dose of 1 tbsp. spoon, you can add another dose of oil at night in the same amount (but you need to start again with 1 tsp).

The tendency to overeating appears in humans, including due to a lack of olelethanolamide in the body. When olive oil begins to interact with the intestinal mucosa, it acts as a catalyst, due to which the production of the specified substance begins.

The essence of the technique is that by saturating the body with the necessary fatty acids, you will prevent the possibility of overeating and reduce the number of unnecessary snacks: the feeling of fullness in the stomach will persist for a longer time.

Important! Use unrefined oil to lose weight. But it is better not to use such oil for heat treatment of food.

Alternatively, you can take one tablespoon of the oil mixed with lemon juice. This will cleanse the liver of accumulated bile, improve its performance, and therefore speed up the process of losing weight.

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Harm from olive oil and contraindications

The harm from olive oil, like from most other substances, in most cases is caused by the abuse or purchase of a poor-quality product, as well as allergies to it. It is contraindicated to consume more than 2 tbsp per day. oils:

1. For people who are obese or are on a diet, as the product is high in calories.
2. People who have cholecystitis, kidney stones or gallbladder stones should first consult a doctor before using the product and in no case drink it on an empty stomach.
3. While taking the product above the recommended daily dose, blood pressure can drop critically.
4. A poor-quality product can provoke poisoning and malfunctioning of the heart.
5. Abuse can cause indigestion, kidney stones, inflammation and a critical drop in blood sugar.

In addition, it is worth remembering the high calorie content of the oil and use it in moderation, in the doses recommended by nutritionists.

Conclusion

Olive oil is an incredibly valuable product that has a beneficial effect on the health of men and women. Oil is harmful to the body only if a poor-quality product is purchased, storage standards are violated (in a dark place, with a closed lid and no more than 4-6 months after opening) or if abused. Olive oil is used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes, improves mood and helps you lose weight (when used correctly). Extra virgin oil is considered the most beneficial.

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